Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'

The Gulf: A Novel by Rachel Cochran

3 reviews

caylacolclasure's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness, Infidelity, Misogyny, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Classism

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Infertility, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Car accident, and War

librarymouse's review

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a really engaging read, but after reading the majority of the book in a single day, most of my thoughts on it summarize down into "what the fuck?"
It's honestly a really good read, looking at the interconnectedness of families in small towns and the insidious nature of cults and religions that prey on the vulnerable in order to grow their flock. Lou is an empathetic, if unreliable narrator - though she's also unreliable to herself, not hiding the truth on purpose. There's such interesting growth and change for all the characters.
Also, surprisingly, very queer.

the blood transfusion thing made me hate Kate. She may have been seeking redemption, but she, with the help of Peg, killed her daughter.
Joanna, becoming more sympathetic as a character throughout the novel, was such an interesting arc, even after the infidelity. The fact that they can remain friends is narratively interesting

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual content, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Gun violence and Slavery

brooke_city's review against another edition

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book indeed has a very slow start. The first half establishes characters and relationships. You start to wonder where it's going, what's the point. The halfway mark is where the mystery actually begins.

While the read was frustrating, I saw the bigger picture that the author was creating. Many themes of the Vietnam War U.S. were present: religious fervor/cults emerging, feminism and radical feminism (there is a difference), mental illness and the lack of care, plus racism and queerphobia.

Lou is a hard character to root for. She spent her entire life coveting what someone else had, when she already had that love and support at home.

I believe there was some internalized racism in her blaming Cece for them being town pariahs. And everyone kept so many secrets from her, shielded her, when she didn't deserve it. She grew up thinking her shit didn't stink, which informed the choices she made.

I would've liked to know more of why Heather carried a grudge against Danny. Was it jealousy? Did she really believe Danny "attacked" Robby? Or did she suspect Robby had feelings for him? Ironic since she hopped between brother and sister.

No one is a good person. Parson wasn't a good town.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny and Racism

Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, and Toxic friendship

Minor: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Abandonment, and Alcohol